Renault Kadjar KAD vs Skoda Karoq MK1
Renault Kadjar
KAD · 2015 – 2022
The Kadjar (KAD), a compact SUV on the CMF-CD platform.
Skoda Karoq
MK1 · 2017 – 2026
The Karoq (MK1), on the MQB-A1 platform.
Renault Kadjar
Pick the Kadjar for a roomy, comfortable compact SUV with an affordable used supply.
Skoda Karoq
Pick the MK1 for a roomy, practical and comfortable family SUV with a sweet 1.5 TSI or strong 2.0 TDI.
Performance
1.3 TCe 140 · Petrol vs 1.5 TSI 150 · Petrol
| Renault Kadjar | Skoda Karoq | |
|---|---|---|
| Power |
140 hp
|
150 hp
Winner
|
| Torque |
240 Nm
|
250 Nm
Winner
|
| 0–100 km/h |
9,6 s
|
8,9 s
Winner
|
| Top speed |
205 km/h
|
205 km/h
|
| Power-to-weight |
100,0 hp/t
|
111,9 hp/t
Winner
|
| CO₂ emissions (WLTP) |
125 g/km
Winner
|
130 g/km
|
| Consumption (WLTP) |
5,6 L/100km
|
5,6 L/100km
|
Dimensions & space
| Renault Kadjar | Skoda Karoq | |
|---|---|---|
| Boot |
472 L
|
479 L
Winner
|
| Boot (seats folded) |
1.478 L
|
1.605 L
Winner
|
| Wheelbase |
2,65 m
Winner
|
2,64 m
|
| Length |
4,45 m
|
4,38 m
|
| Ground clearance |
—
|
18,3 cm
|
| Turning circle |
10,9 m
Winner
|
11,3 m
|
| Towing capacity (braked) |
1.500 kg
|
2.000 kg
Winner
|
Powertrain & tech
| Renault Kadjar | Skoda Karoq | |
|---|---|---|
| Platform | CMF-CD | MQB-A1 (shared with the VW Tiguan) |
| Drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive | Front-wheel drive · All-wheel drive |
| Engine family | 1.2 TCe · 1.3 TCe · 1.6 TCe · 1.5 dCi/Blue dCi · 1.6 dCi · 1.7 Blue dCi | 1.0 TSI · 1.5 TSI · 2.0 TSI petrol · 1.6 TDI · 2.0 TDI diesel |
| Transmission | 6-speed manual · EDC7 | 6-speed manual · 7-speed DSG |
| Fuel | Petrol | Petrol |
| Euro standard | Euro 6d | Euro 6d |
| LEZ access | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) | Unrestricted access (compliant under current legislation) |
Reliability & watch-outs
Known issues
- 1.2 TCe: timing chain and oil consumption
- EDC/X-tronic: juddery at low speed
- Electrical gremlins and R-Link freezes
- 1.5 TSI: kangarooing on early cars
- DSG: jerkiness at low speed
- 2.0 TDI: DPF/AdBlue and timing belt
Pros
- Roomy boot and comfortable ride
- Affordable and plentiful used
- Efficient 1.5 dCi diesel
- Roomy boot and variable rear seats
- Comfortable and practical
- Strong 2.0 TDI
Cons
- 1.2 TCe (early years) carries chain risk
- Interior less modern than newer rivals
- Sparse base equipment
- Interior with hard plastics
- Not focused on sharp dynamics
Driving experience
Renault Kadjar
A relaxed long-distance cruiser rather than a dynamic driver's car. Steering is light and accurate enough for daily use, ride quality is generally compliant on smaller wheels and becomes firmer on 19-inch alloys, and body control is adequate. The 1.3 TCe feels responsive once moving, while the diesels are refined and strong for motorway use. The EDC dual-clutch is smooth at higher speeds but can show low-speed hesitation or judder, especially on early cars and in town. AWD versions add a modest amount of traction in slippery conditions.
Skoda Karoq
Composed and secure for a compact SUV of its era, with light steering that suits motorway and urban driving. The ride is comfortable on standard wheels, and body roll is present yet managed. Diesels deliver strong low-end torque for motorway use. It prioritises comfort and practicality over sharp dynamics, with good visibility.
Belgian taxes & LEZ
